Plumbing Problems Every Salt Lake City Homeowner Should Know About

Salt Lake City homeowners face plumbing issues that are shaped by the area’s high elevation, seasonal temperature swings, mineral-rich water, and shifting clay soils. These conditions can lead to a range of issues, including corroded pipes, low water pressure, flooded basements, and broken sewer lines. In this guide, we’ll highlight the most common plumbing problems Salt Lake City homeowners encounter and offer practical tips to help you prevent them.

What Makes Salt Lake City’s Plumbing Problems Unique?

Salt Lake City’s weather, elevation, water hardness, and soil type all put pressure on plumbing systems, especially in neighborhoods with aging infrastructure. Below are some of the most common plumbing problems in Salt Lake City, along with recommendations on how to prevent or minimize them.

Does Salt Lake City Have Hard Water?

Yes. Salt Lake City gets its water from the Great Salt Lake and nearby mountain runoff. These water sources have high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium, resulting in a water hardness of 222 to 327.3 parts per million. 

Over time, minerals in hard water accumulate in plumbing pipes, fixtures, and appliances as scale. Scale buildup can reduce water flow, raise energy bills, and damage delicate appliance components. Hard water can also dry skin and leave hair brittle and dull. 

A whole-home water softener removes dissolved minerals from your water supply before it enters your home’s plumbing, controlling the damaging impacts of hard water. 

Seasonal Temperature Extremes 

Salt Lake City weather includes freezing winters and exceptionally hot summers. January, for instance, sees an average daily low of 6.5°F, with temperatures occasionally dropping to -22°F. July, in contrast, has average highs of nearly 90°F, and temperatures can reach over 105°F.

Seasonal temperature cycles expose under-insulated pipes to extreme temperatures and shifting soil, which weakens the pipe walls over time. Pinhole leaks are among the most common plumbing problems in Salt Lake City, and uninsulated pipes can freeze and burst during cold snaps. 

Insulating pipes, setting your thermostat to at least 55°F, and knowing what to do if your pipes freeze helps prevent damage caused by seasonal temperature swings. 

Clay-Rich Soil and High Water Table (Groundwater Challenges)

Salt Lake City soil is a mix of clay and sand, which drains poorly. Combined with a high water table, this creates a condition known as hydrostatic pressure, which can cause water to seep through foundations into basements and crawl spaces. You can alleviate hydrostatic pressure by grading soil away from foundations, maintaining gutters and downspouts, repairing cracks and other foundation damage, and waterproofing foundations with vapor barriers.  

Aging Infrastructure and Corroded Pipes

Salt Lake City water has naturally high pH levels, which can slowly corrode older plumbing pipes made from galvanized steel and copper, leading to pinhole leaks, pipe failures, and water damage. 

Homes built in Salt Lake City between the 1950s and 1970s may have older plumbing pipes that have exceeded their expected lifespan. If these homes contain galvanized steel or copper pipes, they may require repairs or pipe replacement.

Salt Lake City Elevation and Low Water Pressure

Salt Lake City sits 4,200 feet above sea level. Neighborhoods in the foothills are situated high enough above the valley floor that low water pressure becomes a significant issue, and municipal water-main pressure can fall below the 40 psi recommended for indoor plumbing. If you have low water pressure, you may notice slow-filling tubs and faucets, as well as weak shower streams.

Installing a boost pump or back-pressure reducing valve can help raise water pressure to recommended levels. Ask your local plumber for help adapting your plumbing to meet Salt Lake City’s elevation challenges.

Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines

Salt Lake City’s mature neighborhood trees are beautiful, but they can cause plumbing problems. Sewer line pipes can develop small cracks due to shifting soil and seismic activity. When cracks develop, tree roots can infiltrate sewer pipes, where they grow rapidly to exploit the available water source. Roots can also cause wastewater to back up, leading to slow drainage and, in worst-case scenarios, flooded basements or crawl spaces. 

Regular sewer line inspections and cleaning services help prevent tree roots from clogging the line. For small cracks, trenchless sewer line repairs can seal pipes without digging up your landscaping. 

Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler Leaks and Issues

Swamp coolers are popular cooling systems in Salt Lake City that lower air temperature by passing warm, dry air over water-soaked pads to cool and humidify the air. Hard water mineral deposits, collapsed water distribution lines, and leaks around the cooler’s base can all interfere with performance. 

Regular inspections, coupled with water softeners and annual moisture pad replacement, all help keep evaporative coolers leak-free and running efficiently. 

Roto-Rooter: For All Your Salt Lake City Plumbing Needs

Salt Lake City soil type, water hardness, climate, and elevation all contribute to local plumbing problems. Understanding these factors can help protect your plumbing year-round and reduce repair costs. Roto-Rooter is here to help you with the most common plumbing problems in Salt Lake City, and less well-known issues as well!